The plot to remove Dr Iyorchia Ayu as PDP chairman entered a new phase Monday, with a Makurdi high Court restraining him from parading himself as chairman of the party.
The order subsists pending the determination of the substantive suit, which has been adjourned till 17 April 2023.
Channels TV reported that a member of the PDP from Benue, Terhide Utaan, who is the plaintiff obtained the order, made by Justice W. I Kpochi.
Ayu was suspended late last week by his home ward in Benue for anti-party activities in the wake of the party’s loss in the presidential election.
The ward suspended Ayu after passing a vote of no confidence on him, in a move similar to the way Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was removed as chairman of APC.
The move was also similar to the way the PDP got rid of Ayu’s predecessor Prince Uche Secondus.
Secretary of the party in Igyorov ward, Vanger Dooyum, said Ayu’s anti-party activities – alongside his allies – contributed to PDP’s loss in his ward and local government in the governorship election.
Ayu was also accused of not paying his annual dues as enshrined by the party’s constitution.
Twelve out of the seventeen exco members, including the ward chairman Kashi Philip signed the letter endorsing Ayu’s suspension.
They also alleged that the PDP chairman did not vote during the governorship and state assembly elections held on 18 March.
According to them, most of Ayu’s closest allies worked for the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) which resulted in the abysmal performance of the PDP in Igyorov Ward.
Ayu’s political rival in the PDP and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Monday, said he is elated that Benue State ward exco passed a vote of no confidence in him.
“I am not from Benue State, but I am happy, and now that Benue State has done it, we would now come out and say we are in support of it,” he said.
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